What Happens During Hemorrhoid Surgery?
Only a small minority of patients with hemorrhoids actually require hemorrhoidectomy. Most can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications or office-based procedures. You are not to eat or drink anything – including water – for between eight and twelve hours prior to surgery. The hospital or outpatient center requests that you arrive early to do paperwork and get prepared for the procedure.
A spinal anesthesia is used to numb you from the waist down, including the area around the rectum. A general anesthesia may also be used to put you to sleep so that you are not aware of what is going on around you. Both methods help your body to relax as it will be subjected to an intrusive procedure.
Next, the area around your anus and rectum is prepared for hemorrhoid surgery. The procedure consists of removing the hemorrhoids and closing the wound with sutures. A small cotton pad may be placed on the anus to absorb any drainage at and around the incision area.
Recovering from Hemorrhoid Surgery
Recovery time is based on the severity of surgery and your body’s ability to heal itself, but typically takes between 3 and 7 days.